Downton Abbey

Premise: “Downton Abbey” provides an intricate look into the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants during the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of historical events like the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, and the Roaring Twenties, the series captures the tension between tradition and change in both the upper and working classes of that era.

Main Characters:

1. Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville): The family patriarch, deeply attached to the traditions and the maintenance of his estate.
2. Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern): The American heiress married to Robert, bringing a significant dowry that helps sustain the estate.
3. Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery): The eldest daughter, her love life and succession issues play a central role in the series.
4. Lady Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael): The middle daughter, often overshadowed by Mary, but pursuing her own journey to significance and happiness.
5. Lady Sybil Crawley (Jessica Brown Findlay): The youngest and most progressive daughter, she challenges family conventions in numerous ways.
6. Mr. Carson (Jim Carter): The stern but caring butler committed to the standards of the house.
7. Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan): The housekeeper, maternal and pragmatic in her approach to the staff and the workings of Downton.
8. John Bates (Brendan Coyle): Lord Grantham’s valet with a mysterious past, who finds love below stairs.

Themes: The series delves into the sociocultural shifts occurring in early 20th-century Britain, including the decline of aristocracy, the changing roles of women, and the aftermath of global events on local communities. Love, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition weave through both upstairs and downstairs narratives, showing that emotional intricacies and societal pressures are universal, regardless of class.

Critical Consensus and Rating: Rating: 4.5/5 Critics appreciated “Downton Abbey” for its sumptuous production design, stellar cast, and meticulous attention to historical detail. The engaging, character-driven narratives and wit infused in the dialogue made it a fan favorite. However, some critics felt that later seasons had plots that seemed contrived or lacked the freshness of the initial episodes.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-PG for its depiction of mature themes related to societal norms, love, and conflict, though presented without overtly graphic content.

Original Broadcast Details: Aired on: ITV in the UK and later on PBS’s Masterpiece in the US. Years: Premiered in 2010 and concluded in 2015.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “The Crown“
2. “Upstairs, Downstairs“
3. “Call the Midwife“
4. “Poldark“
5. “Victoria“

Streaming Services: As of my last update in September 2021, “Downton Abbey” was available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and PBS’s streaming platforms. However, streaming availability can change, so viewers are advised to check their preferred services for current listings.

Mad Men

Premise: “Mad Men” delves into the high-pressure world of 1960s Madison Avenue advertising agencies. Set in New York City, the series showcases the personal and professional lives of the employees of Sterling Cooper, later Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the show examines the complexities of identity, societal transformation, and the golden age of advertising.

Main Characters:

1. Don Draper (Jon Hamm): The enigmatic and talented creative director at Sterling Cooper, Don’s mysterious past and tumultuous personal life contrast with his professional success.
2. Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss): Starting as Don’s secretary and rising to copywriter, Peggy’s journey mirrors the changing role of women in the workplace and society.
3. Roger Sterling (John Slattery): A senior partner at Sterling Cooper, his wit and charm can’t always mask his struggles with an evolving world and his own mortality.
4. Joan Holloway Harris (Christina Hendricks): Office manager turned partner, Joan confronts the challenges and limitations placed on women, balancing her ambition with societal expectations.
5. Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser): An ambitious account executive, Pete often grapples with issues of identity, loyalty, and morality in both his professional and personal life.

Themes: “Mad Men” masterfully addresses a range of themes: the evolving role of gender and sexuality, the American Dream and its disillusionments, personal vs. professional identities, and the impact of consumerism. It also examines societal norms and how characters navigate or challenge these expectations in a time of rapid change.

Critical Consensus and Rating: Rating: 4.8/5 Critics lauded “Mad Men” for its meticulous attention to period detail, compelling character arcs, and its intricate exploration of societal themes. Its storytelling sophistication set it apart as one of the pinnacle achievements of the “Golden Age of TV.” However, a minority of critics sometimes found its pacing deliberate or its introspection verging on the excessive.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-14 for its mature thematic content, including depictions of smoking, drinking, sexuality, and workplace dynamics characteristic of the 1960s.

Original Broadcast Details: Aired on: AMC (American Movie Classics) Years: Premiered in 2007 and concluded in 2015.

TV Series Recommendations:

1. “Boardwalk Empire”
2. “The Crown”
3. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
4. “Halt and Catch Fire”
5. “Masters of Sex”